Jungle Rot perfroms in West Chester Saturday

By DENNY DYROFF, For the Journal Register News Service

Thursday, April 4, 2013

When a band names itself after a gangrene-like tropical ulcer that affected soldiers in the Vietnam War who were wearing water-soaked, bacteria-infected boots, it’s a pretty safe bet that the band is not an acoustic folk group.

When that same band has a canon of work that includes albums with titles such as “Skin the Living,” “Slaughter the Weak,” “Dead and Buried,” “What Horrors Await” and “Kill on Command,” don’t expect an Americana vibe in the music.

Jungle Rot, which will be performing April 6 at The Note in West Chester, is that band.

The death metal group is touring in support of its recently-released album “Terror Regime.” The quartet, which features Dave Matrise (vocals/guitar), James Genenz (bass/backing vocals), Geoff Bub (guitar/backing vocals) and Jesse Beahler (drums), also recently re-released “Skin the Living” -- the band’s debut album from 1996.

“We re-released it in February because it hadn’t been available for awhile,” said Dave Matrise, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon. “When we were on the road touring, people wanted to find it. They yell out the songs. And, we always wanted to put it out on vinyl.

“We also wanted to show people where we started -- show them the old school. When I think of old school, I think of the respect. There was more support. It was about compatibility -- about supporting the scene. Now, everybody is out for themselves which is a shame because support is a big thing in the underground scene.”

“I think death metal is always going to be around,” said Matrise. “We get a lot of younger fans every year -- and we hold on to our older fans. That’s what keeps me going. It’s an incredible feeling.

“We’re coming up on our 20th anniversary and every day it continues to surprise me. For some reason, this band has a consistent heartbeat. We’ve had good luck with (record) labels and there has always been a consistent interest in this band.”

Jungle Rot has flourished in the death metal scene since its inception in 1994. The band has released eight albums, four EPs and one live DVD and Matrise has no plans for slowing down.

“Once you’re metal and it’s in your blood, it’s natural,” said Matrise. “I can sit and write songs on the spot. With Jungle Rot, we stick with the formula that works.”

Jungle Rot will perform at 8:30 p.m. on April 6 at The Note (142 E. Market StreetWest Chester, http://www.thenotewc.com). Tickets are $20.